Look for heavy cast iron grate and burners in various sizes and temperature ranges

Gas on glass- easy to clean coking grates sit on top of a smooth, easy to clean ceramic surface.

Induction:

A magnetic field heats the pot or pan, which then heats the food- the cooking surface never gets more than slightly warm to the touch.

There is a cooktop for every budget, ranging in price from just over $250 for a Maytag with electric coils all the way to a KitchenAid induction cooktop for $2,249.00. Of course there are many choices in the mid-range, such as a GE gas cooktop for $599.

Even the simplest meals usually involve some cooking- take your time and visit a few showrooms to check out all your options.(Thank you to FamilyCircle magazine.)